Railway-track construction



Jan. 14, 1930. .A. ENSTROM I RAILWAY TRACK CONSTRUCTION File pril. 1, 1929 2 sheets-sheet 1 Jan. 14, 1930. A. ENsfRoM 1,743,652

RAILWAY TRACK CONSTRUCTION Filed April 1, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I 665?? d, I. I

Patented Jan. 14, 1930 UNITED STATES PiATEINT OFFICE,

AUGUST ENS'IROM, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO PnrT BoNE MULLIKEN o01v- PANY, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORJPQR-ATION or DELAWARE RAILWAY-TRACK CONSTRUCTION Application filed April 1,

My invention relates more .particularly to guard'railsof railway'track construction and tothe .means for holding such. rails in position relative to the irunningcrails alongside of which they are located.

One of my objects is to provide means whereby the guard rail may be easily and quickly installed and be held positively .in a position to properly function thereby enhancing the safety of such structures.

Another object isto provide an assembly of guard rail andrunning rail which shall be adaptedfor high speed service.

Another object is .to so securethe guard rail in position relative to-the running rail withwhich it cooperates that the guard rail will beheld securely to the running rail regardless-of the loosening of spikes or the condition of the ties on which they are sup ported.

Another object is to avoid the use of theheavy clamps commonly employed for holding the guardrails in position relative to the 5 creeping in either direction.

Another object is to provide a guard rail and running-rail assembly of such construction thattheforces exerted against-theguard rail by the wheels will be-cushioned to a certain degree thereby minimizing olt or-shoc'k in the passing ofthe wheels along the guard rail and producing a smooth and-easy-riding turnout; and otherobjectsas will bemani'fest from the following description.

Referring to :the accompanying drawingsz- 7 Figure 1 is azbrokenplanview of a running rail of a railway track with which is associated a guard rali'l secured in position in "accordance with my invention, the structure 1929. SeIiaI NO. 351,639.

shown constituting a guard railand running rail assembly.

Figure 2 isan enlarged sectionatakeniat I the line 2' on F 1g. 1 {and viewed in the direc- 5 tion of the arrow.

FigureB is a plan view of the filler block located between the running rail andthe guardrail at one end of the latter.

' Figure 4 is a view in side elevation of :the member of Fig. 3 showing it positioned against a side of the running rail.

Figure 5 is a section taken at the line '5 on Fig. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrow, this view showing my improvedclamping means.

Figure 6 is aplan view of the plate portion of the clamping means of Fig. "5.

Figure 7 is a plan view of the wedge elementforming a part of the clamping means of Fig. 5.

F'gure 8 is an enlarged section taken at the line 8 on Fig. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrow, thesection being taken through one of the similar spacer devices forming a part of thestructure of Fig. 1.

Figure 9 is a plan view of the spacer device of Fig. '8; and

Figu'relO, aview in side elevation of the device of Fig. 9.

Refer-ring to the particular assembly 1 shown, 11 represent-ea runnlng-rail of a track I construction, as for example one of the main rails thereof, and 12 a guard rail located alongs'ideofland spaced from, the inner side of the running rail 11, the-ties on which t-hese rails are supported being represented at 13.

Those of the ties 13 which are located adjacent the ends of the guard railand certain of these ties therebetween, are shown as providedwith tie plates 14 on which the running rail and guard rail are supported, these rails being spiked to the ties beneath them by spikes driven through openings in the ends of these plates.

Located between the running rail and the guard ra'il preferably directlv above the intermediate plates 14 above referred to, are means for gaging the distance between the guard rail and the running rail, each of thesemeans beingpreferably of theconstruction shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, each spacer device comprising sections and 16 so shaped, as shown, that they conformingly fit against the side portions of the rails 11 and 12, respectively. The sections 15 and 16 are disposed side by side with their opposing surfaces inclining in opposite directions and serrated as represented at 17 and 18 at which serrated portions they inter-fit with each other. The provision of these serrated'surfaces at an angle to the surfaces of the sections 15 and 16 at which they fit against the rails, permits of the relative adjustment of these sections in a lengthwise direction to increase or decrease the eflective width of the spacer device, the sections ofwhich are held. in adjusted position. by a bolt 19 which extends through an opening 20 in the section 15 and at its threaded end through a slot 21 in the section 16. The threaded end of the bolt 19 also extends through an opening 22 in the guard rail, its projecting end having anut 23 screwed thereon which draws the sections 15 and 16 into tight engagement with each other and the section 16 tightly against the side of the guard rail.

The assembly also comprises filler blocks 24 positioned between the running rail 11 and the terminal portions of the outwardly deflected ends 25 of the guard rail 12, these blocks being shown as in the form of hollow castings adapted to conformingly fit the op-' posing surfaces of the running rail 11 and the guard rail 12 their depending side portions 26 being shown as apertured at 27 to receive bolts 28 extending through openings 29 in the guard rail 12 for rigidly holding the blocks 24 to the guard rail, the feature of providing the openings 27 in both side portions 26 of each block adapting the block for use at either end of the guard rail.

In accordance with the particular illustratedembodiment of the invention the means above described for spacing the guard rail from the running rail and comprising the sectional spacer devices formed of the sections 15 and 16 and the spacer devices 24, have no connection with the running rail but merely fit against the side of the latter,

the means provided for holding the guard rail in place, in addition to the spikes or other fastening means which may beprovided for securing the guard rail to the ties beneath it, comprising clamp devices represented generally at 30 three of these clamping devices beingprovided in the particular arrangement shown, one located between the two sectional spacer block devices, and one between each of these spacer block devices and the adjacent end spacer block 24.

Each clamp device 30 comprises a platelike' portion 31 preferably in the form of a forging, adapted to seat upon the top of a tie. One end of the plate-like member 31 is provided with an upwardly extending portion 32 preferably of less length than the width of the plate member 31 andterminating at its upper edge in an inwardly turned flange 33, forming a stop, the corner of the plate member 31 beyond the flange 33 containing a spike hole 34. The flange-equipped projection 32 is provided for interlocking engagement with the outer flange of the rail 11, as shown in Fig. 5. The terminal edge of the opposite end of the plate member 31 is inclined relative to the projection 32, as shown in Fig. 6, this edge of the member 31 being turned upwardly and inwardly as represented at 35 and 36 to form a recess 37 the wall 38 of which forms a stop surface inclining relative to the projection 32v and away from the running rail in a direction'towardthe ad acent lncllned end of the guard rail, 7

hole- 39 between these rails, and the member 31 being of such length that its, flange portion 36 terminates short of the adjacent flange of the guard rail as shown in Fig. 5.

Each clamping device 30 also comprises a wedge member represented generally at 40 which extends between the inner side of the guard rail 12 and the adjacent projection 35 and serves when driven tightly intoplace to firmly secure the running rail 11 and guard rail 12 together, with the spacer means described above interposed, the end ones of the series of wedges 40 engaging the inner side of the guard rail 12 at the adjacent inclined portions 25 of theguard rail, as shown in I Fig. l. a j

The wedge member 40 which preferably is also a forging comprises a substantially vertical plate-like portion 41 which. conformingly fits against the side of the guard rail 12 y at the web of the latter, a laterally projecting formed of these partsjust described being preferably made in one piece. The outer edge 45 of the plate portion 43 is inclined relative to the face of the portion 41 at substantially the same angle'as that presented between the surface 38 and the longitudinal edgeof the projection 32,'the wedge 40 in the operation of clamping the rails, slidingat its surface 45 along the surface 38 and the adjacent inclined end portion of the guard rail with the result of forcing the wedge 40 to the left in Fig. 5 to produce the desired clamping effect.

The wedge 40 is preferably held in adjusted position by any suitable means, the arrangement shown comprising a series of openings 46 in the portion 43 of the wedge disposed parallel with the inclined edge 45 and provided toreceive fastening devices such as lag-bolts insertable through openings 47 .in the flange 36 and which may, if desired, pass through registering openings in the plate portion 31 and into the tie beneath.

In the assembling of the guard rail with the main rail the sections of the spacer devices of Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are adjusted relative to each other to correspond with the space to be provided between the guard rail and running rail and the end spacers 24 applied to position. The running rail and guard rail are then clamped together by the clamping devices 30 preferably disposed relative to the spacer devices as shown and above described for rigidly clamping the guard rail and running rail together with the spacer means referred to interposed therebetween.

As the main rail is not drilled for any fastening device, in accordance with the pre ferred embodiment of my invention, means are provided toprevent creeping of the guard rail in either direction, these means comprising the clamping devices 30 the wedge surfaces of certain of which incline in opposite direct-ions as for example as shown in Fig. 1 wherein the wedge surface of the clamping device 30 at the left-hand end of this figure, inclines to the right in this figure toward the guard rail, whereas the wedge surfaces of the other two clamping devices incline to the left in this figure toward the guard rail. Thus the clamp means with its wedge surface at one inclination resists, by its tendency to tighten because of the engagement with the adjacent inclined portionv of the guard rail and the inclined surface 38, creepage of the guard rail in one direction while the clamping means having its wedge surface of opposite inclination functions in the same way, but reversely, to prevent creepage of the guard rail in the other direction.

Because of the form of clamp means shown, the clamp not only serves to perform the clamping function but also performs the function of a tie plate; and while the clamping means are of relatively light weight construction, they are relatively r'igidand resistant to stresses; and because of the provision of the recess 37 and wedge 40 as shown, sufficient resistance is afforded to prevent impacts against the guard rail turning or canting the latter in a direction away from the running rail. Furthermore, the clamp means as described, particularly because of their light weight, are adapted to be installed with the minimum of labor and relatively quickly.

While I have illustrated and described a particular construction embodying my invention,.I do not wish to be understoodas intending to limit it thereto as the same may be variously modified and altered without departing from the spirit of my invention.

' What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In railway track construction, the combination with a running-rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, spacermeans at different points along said guardrail for spacing the latter from said runningrail and disconnected from the latter, and clamping means alternating WlDlI'SEllCl spacer means and engaging'said guard-rail and external surfaces of said running-rail for holding said guardrail in place.

In railway track construction, the combination with a running'rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, spacermeans at different points along said guard rail for spacing the latter from said running rail and disconnected from the latter, and clamping means engaging said guard rail and external surfaces of said running rail for holding said guard rail in place, said clamping means being constructed and arranged to resist creeping of said guard rail in either direction.

3. In a railway track construction, the com bination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, spacer means at different points along said guard rail for spacing the'latter from said running rail and disconnected from the latter, and clamping means engaging said guard rail and external surfaces-of said running rail for holding said guard rail in place and comprising oppositely disposed Wedge portions operating to resist creeping of said guard rail in either direction.

4. In a railway track construction, the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guardrail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, spacer means at different points alongsaid guardrail for spacing the latter from said running rail and disconnected from the latter, and clamping means located substantially midway between the ends-of said guard railangl at opposite sides of said midway point and engaging said guard rail and'external surfaces of said running rail for holding said guardrail in place, said clamping means being constructed and arranged to resist creeping of said guard rail in either direction.

5. In a railway track constructioin the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, and clamping means for holding said guard rail in place comprising a bottom plate for seating upon a tie and extending beneath both of said rails and across the latter and having upwardly bent ends one of which 'engages'the outer flange of one of said rails and the other of which has a wedge surface, and a wedge member engaging the outer side of the Other of said rails and said last referredto end of said plate 6. In a railway track construction the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, and clamping means for holding said guard rail in place comprising a bottom plate for seating upon a tie and extending beneath both of said rails and across the latter and llZLVlIl upwardly bent inwardly turned ends one of which engages the outer flange of one of said rails and the other of which has a wedge surface, and a wedge member engaging the outer side of the other of said rails and said last referred to end of said plate.

7. A clamp for securing together rails arranged side by side comprising abottom plate forming a seat for the rails and for seating on a tie and having upwardly bent ends one of which is adapted to engage the outer flange of one of the rails positioned on said plate and the other of which has a wedge surface adapted to engage a wedge inserted between it and the outer side of the otherof said rails positioned on said plate. 7

8. In combination with a rail, an adjustable filler-block formed of relatively longitudinally adjustable sections having oppositely inclining opposed surfaces, interlocking means which hold said sections in relatively adjusted positions lengthwise of each other, one of said sections containing a bolt hole and the other a slot extending length wise thereof, and a bolt extending through said rail, bolt hole and slot.

9. A clamp device for clamping rails arranged side-by-side comprising a member having a portion to extend under the rails, means for engaging the outer flange of one of the rails, an upwardly extending projection having an inwardly extending lip ex tending short of the outer flange of the other of said rails, and a wedge member interlocked with said lip and adapted to engage the outer side of said last-referred-to rail, said wedge member having a brace extending crosswise thereof. 10. A clamp device for clamping rails arranged side-by-side comprising a member having a portion to extend under the rails and means for engaging the outer flange of one of the rails, an upwardly extending proj ection having an inwardly extending lip extending short of the outer vflange of the other of said rails and forming with said portion of said member a recess of greater depth than height, and a wedge memberextending into said recess and adapted to engage the outer side of said last-referred-to rail.

11. A clamp device for clamping rails arranged side-by-side comprising a member having a bottom plate-like portion for seating upon a tie and extending beneath, and crosswise of, the rails and means for engaging the outer flange of one of said rails,

an upward projection having an inwardly extending lip extending short of the outer. flange of the other of said rails, and a'wedge member interlocked with said lip and adapted to engage the outer side of said last-referred-to rail, said wedge member having a brace extending crosswise thereof 12. In railway track constructiomthe combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail and having an end portion which inclines away from o the running rail, and clamping means for said guard-rail comprising a stop surface and a wedge member between, and engaging with, said inclined portion of said guard-rail and said stop surface, said stop surface inclining away from said running rail in a direction toward said inclined end of said guard-rail.

13. In railway track construction, the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail and having end portions which incline away from the running rail, and clamping means for said guardrail comprising stop surfaces and wedge members between and engaging with, T said inclined portions of said guard-rail and said stop surfaces, said stop surfaces inclining away from said runningrailin directions toward opposite ends, respectively, of said guard-rail; i

14. In railway track construction, the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside 0f, and in spaced relation to, said running rail and having an end portion which inclines away'from the running rail, and clamping means for said guardrail comprising a member which extends beneath said running rail and said guard-rail and is provided with stops between which said running rail and guard-rail extend, one of said stops cooperating with a flange of said running rail and the other of said stops having a surface inclining way u from said running rail in a direction toward said inclined end of said guard-rail and a wedge member between, and engaging with, said inclined portion of said guard-rail and said wedge surface. Y

15. In railway track construction, thecombination with a running rail thereof, ofa guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail and having end portions which incline away from the running rail, and clamping means for said guard-rail at each end thereof, each of said means comprising a member which extends beneath said running rail and said guard-rail and is provided with stops between which said running rail and said guard-rail extend, one of said stops cooperating with a flange of said running rail and the other of said stops having a surface inclining away from said running rail in a direction toward the adjacent inclined end of said guard rail, and a wedge member between, and engaging with, said inclined portion of said guard rail and said wedge surface.

16. In railway track construction, the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, spacer means at different points along said guardrail for spacing the latter from said running rail and disconnected from the latter, said guard rail having end portions which incline away from the running rail, and clamping means for said guard rail located substantially midway between the ends of said guardrail and adjacent the ends thereof, the end ones of said clamping means each comprising a stop surface and a wedge member between, and engaging with, the adjacent inclined portion of said guard rail and the adj acentone of said stop surfaces, said stop surfaces inclining away from said running rail in directions toward opposite ends, respectively, of said guard rail.

17 In railway track construction, the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard-rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, spacer means at different points along said guardrail for spacing the latter from said running rail and disconnected from the latter, said guard rail having end portions which incline away from the running rail and clamping means for said guard rail located substantially midway between the ends of said guard rail and adjacent the ends thereof, the end ones of said clamping means each comprising a stop surface and a wedge member between and engaging with, the adjacent inclined portion of said guard rail and stop surface, said stop surfaces inclining away from said running rail in directions toward opposite ends, respectively, of said guard rail, certain of said spacer means being located adjacent the ends of said guard rail.

18. A clamp device for clamping rails arranged side-by-side comprising a plate having a portion to extend below the rails and upwardly bent ends, said plate engaging the outer flange of one of the rails at one of said upwardly bent ends the other end presenting 7 a recess having an inclined edge, and a wedge member extending into said recess and engaging said inclined edge and adapted to engage the outer side of the other of said rails.

19. In a railway track construction, the combination with a running rail thereof, of a guard rail extending alongside of, and in spaced relation to, said running rail, and clamping means for holding said guard rail in place comprising a member extending beneath said rails and having a'stop for said running rail and a wedge-engaging surface,

and a wedge member engaging said wedge-engaging surface and said guard rail and having an inclined brace portion, the inclination of said brace portion being such that it extends substantially in line with the line of thrust of the wheel against said guard rail.

AUGUST ENSTROM. 

